Pope: Vatican City will run solely on solar power thanks to new plant

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🗞️ Driving the news: Pope Francis has announced the construction of a new solar power plant to make Vatican City energy-independent with renewable energy
• The solar plant will be built on Vatican-owned property near Rome, aiming to achieve climate neutrality

🔭 The context: In an apostolic letter titled "Brother Sun," dated June 21, 2024, Pope Francis emphasized the need for a sustainable development model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• This initiative is part of the Pope's longstanding commitment to addressing the climate crisis, which he highlighted in his 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si' "

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The Vatican's transition to solar energy sets a significant example for global climate action, showcasing the potential for renewable energy to power entire communities
• This move could inspire other religious and political leaders to pursue similar sustainability initiatives

⏭️ What's next: Special commissioners have been appointed to oversee the project, which will integrate renewable electricity production with agricultural needs on the property
• The successful implementation of this project could further solidify the Vatican's leadership in environmental stewardship

💬 One quote: “Humanity possesses the technological means to tackle this environmental transformation and its pernicious ethical, social, economic, and political consequences, with solar energy playing a fundamental role among these solutions.” – Pope Francis

📈 One stat: The Vatican City solar plant will be located approximately 11 miles from Rome, in Santa Maria di Galeria, currently used for Vatican Radio broadcasts

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